🇺🇸 State of the Union: Dream debut for Wright but Pulisic is peeved 😤

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Seamus Leonard·2 June 2022

🇺🇸 State of the Union: Dream debut for Wright but Pulisic is peeved 😤

The USA men’s national team recorded a comfortable 3-0 friendly win over Morocco in Cincinnati on Wednesday, so that dominates the conversation in these parts.

You’ve got a friend ❤️

It was a great night all round for the Stars and Stripes at TQL Stadium, as Gregg Berhalter’s side put in an impressive display against a Morocco side also heading to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Three goals, a clean sheet for Matt Turner (courtesy of a missed second-half penalty by the Atlas Lions), and plenty of notable individual performances.

But arguably the best moment came when Christian Pulisic gave Haji Wright the opportunity to score from the spot on his debut.

Pulisic drew all the interference from the visitors before handing the ball to his good friend to fire low and hard past Bono in the net.

Christian Pulisic on handing the ball off to Haji Wright for the penalty 🇺🇸❤️ "We go way back so. ... He needed that goal and said he was confident so I wanted him to get that confidence and I'm happy he scored"
– Thursday, 2 June 2022

The pair formed a deadly partnership at underage level for their country and that bond does not seem to have weakened at all through the years.

Telling it as it is

Despite the overwhelming positivity on the night, captain Pulisic made a point of criticising the lack of interest shown by the public.

It was by no means a full house, and there was plenty of vocal support for the visitors at the Ohio venue.

Christian Pulisic to the ESPN broadcast after the game, unhappy about the crowd split at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati: “I am not particularly happy with the amount of Americans here tonight, if I’m being completely honest.”
– Thursday, 2 June 2022

Soccer fans in Kansas City has been warned ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Uruguay!

Swede deal 🇸🇪

Speaking of Missouri, St Louis City announced the latest addition to their roster ahead of their MLS debut season in 2023.

Joakim Nilsson arrives on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld, who were relegated from the Bundesliga recently.

IT’S OFFICIAL! ✍️ We have signed the Swedish national and @arminia center back Joakim Nilsson to a @MLS contract. #stlCITYsc x #TheFutureIsNow 🔗 https://t.co/5I8SVdWbey
– Wednesday, 1 June 2022

The centre-back is currently with the Sweden squad, as they get set to play in the Uefa Nations League.

He will complete his transatlantic move after those international commitments are honoured, and will begin playing for St Louis City II in the MLS Next Pro.

Throwback rack

🔷 DYNAMIC 🔶 @fccincinnati's 2021 primary jersey has arrived!
– Thursday, 25 February 2021

In recognition of Cincinnati hosting the USMNT, we take a short trip back in time to admire FC Cincinnati’s 2021 home kit.

The Orange and Blue may have finished their third season in MLS at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but they looked good getting there.

That shirt was a thing of beauty!

What’s going on today?

It remains quiet on the domestic front, but you can get your big game fix by tuning in to see the Mexican men’s national team play Uruguay in a friendly. That game kicks off in Phoenix at 10pm EST.
The USL remains unaffected by the international schedule, and New York RB II will take on San Diego Loyal at 2pm EST at the Red Bull Arena.